The Great Central Railway is the UK's only double track, main line heritage railway. It’s the only place in the world where full size steam engines can be seen passing each other – just as it was when steam ruled the rails.

Trains run every weekend of the year, bank holidays and selected week days through the summer. In addition, First Class Restaurant Car Services provide five course meals whilst travelling between Loughborough and Leicester. Childhood dreams can come true with a Drive a Locomotive Experience when you can take the regulator on a mighty steam locomotive or notch up on a powerful diesel. We also run many special events, including Steam Galas, Peppa Pig, Bonfire Night, 1940s Wartime Weekend and Santa Specials.

The railway is supported by The David Clarke Railway Trust, click here to find out more. The Railway's membership organisation is Friends of the Great Central Main Line (FoGCML). Members are entitled to a range of benefits and details can be viewed here.

The railway has won a number of awards including “independent railway of the year”, a gold award for the East Midlands best visitor experience and is a quality assured visitor attraction as designated by Enjoy England.Trains can also be hired for private parties and corporate events. Charter intimate carriages or be really exclusive and hire the Pullman carriages with glamorous bar cars.

Are you looking to stay a little longer...? There are some fantastic Bed & Breakfast establishments well within the reach of the railway and the following are within walking distance from Loughborough Central Station - click here

Passengers are conveyed by the Company's trains in accordance with the Company's "Conditions of Carriage" (as shown on this website). All train services, locomotives, exhibits and other attractions appear subject to availability and are subject to change without prior notice.

Our next running day

Class 31 D5830 is in action in our latest Diesel Running Friday.

Make a donation

To make a donation to our supporting charity click the Donate button below

Main Line Xtra

If you are a Friend of the Great Central Railway, you can access Main Line Xtra which provides additional news, special offers and features. To access Main Line Xtra click here